Nourishing Hope for the Holidays

What systemic challenges can make this time of year especially difficult for community members experiencing food insecurity?

During the holidays, families are often stretching already tight budgets to cover groceries, housing, utilities and other essentials while hoping to celebrate with the people they love. For families relying on SNAP and other forms of assistance, changes or disruptions in benefits can create additional uncertainty. The cost of a holiday meal or gifts can add pressure when there is little room in the budget.

With support from donors and volunteers, Nourishing Hope helps neighbors access nutritious groceries year-round while also making room for the traditions that matter to their families. Through our Turkey Fund, families can receive a turkey or ham and traditional sides for Thanksgiving, helping them gather around a holiday meal. We also have our annual holiday toy drive which provides donated toys so parents and caregivers can give their children gifts without having to choose between presents and groceries. These efforts help ease financial stress and give families more room to enjoy the season, spend time together and create memories.

What programs or resources does Nourishing Hope provide beyond food assistance?

Alongside nutritious groceries, Nourishing Hope offers case management, benefits assistance, and free mental health counseling. These services help neighbors navigate challenges and connect with resources that support greater stability and well-being. Donor support allows us to care for the whole person, beyond the immediate need for a meal.

Can you share a story that illustrates the impact Nourishing Hope has had on an individual or family during the holiday season?

Last year, Rosa wasn’t sure if she would be able to share a Thanksgiving meal with her four children after unexpected budget cuts led to the loss of her job as a medical call center supervisor. Last Thanksgiving, while picking up her regular groceries at Nourishing Hope’s El Mercadito, she was surprised to learn she could also take home a ham or turkey and sides through Nourishing Hope’s Turkey Fund. “I was happy because it helped our Thanksgiving," Rosa says. “I didn’t know if we were going to have Thanksgiving because we couldn’t buy a turkey.” Because people in our community gave, Rosa and her children could gather around at their table for the holiday meal they had hoped to share.

Do you typically see an increase in demand during this time of year? If so, how does your team prepare?

Fall and winter are typically our busiest seasons. We coordinate with our staff, volunteers, and community partners to prepare for increased demand, ensuring we have enough donated goods to keep our markets stocked and ready to serve our neighbors. Holiday giving helps us provide turkeys, hams and a wider variety of groceries alongside the food families count on throughout the year.

What is the most helpful way for people to support Nourishing Hope during the holiday season?

Every contribution helps make food and support available to more Chicago families. There are many ways to be part of this work. A financial gift gives us flexibility to purchase the foods neighbors need most and respond as needs change. Donations of unexpired, shelf-stable food help stock our markets, and volunteers help sort food, prepare orders and welcome neighbors.

Learn more about ways to contribute: https://nourishinghopechi.org/

Joy is one of Nourishing Hope’s core values. How does Nourishing Hope embody this value?

Joy is reflected in the way we welcome and care for every neighbor who walks through our doors. It can be a warm welcome at the market, a familiar holiday food brought home, or the relief of knowing there will be enough for a family meal. Our donors, volunteers and partners help create those moments while ensuring every neighbor is treated with dignity and respect.